sixfootzero
Leading Member
After using this lens a few days, I have a few more sample images and some observations:
The pinhole is 0.25mm, which seems like a pretty useful size. The images would likely be sharper if with a smaller hole, but at the expense of longer exposure times. As it is, I can shoot hand-held in sunny conditions. As large as an APS-C sensor is compared to a compact camera's, it's still pretty small compared to a pinhole film camera in 6x12 (cm), 4x5 or 8x10 format. The larger film formats can yield very sharp pinhole images, but the Holga/NX combo is always going to be a little dreamy.
It fits the camera well, and it's nice to be able to pick up an off-the-shelf pinhole lens for about $20. The pinhole is recessed with a reasonably deep hole, but the lens is prone to flare so it pays to be mindful of the sun.
Because the light rays only follow, basically, one path to each sensor site, the images will highlight any dust on your sensor. I've used the sensor cleaning function a few times, but there are some spots that just will not go away. They've never showed up in any images shot with a glass lens, but they show up every time with the pinhole. It's no biggie, but something to keep in mind.
Overall, I'd recommend it, and think I'll use it a lot. Crafty types would probably have more fun making a pinhole from a body cap for about $5, but I imagine this would be even more prone to flare unless one adds a shade.
The pinhole is 0.25mm, which seems like a pretty useful size. The images would likely be sharper if with a smaller hole, but at the expense of longer exposure times. As it is, I can shoot hand-held in sunny conditions. As large as an APS-C sensor is compared to a compact camera's, it's still pretty small compared to a pinhole film camera in 6x12 (cm), 4x5 or 8x10 format. The larger film formats can yield very sharp pinhole images, but the Holga/NX combo is always going to be a little dreamy.
It fits the camera well, and it's nice to be able to pick up an off-the-shelf pinhole lens for about $20. The pinhole is recessed with a reasonably deep hole, but the lens is prone to flare so it pays to be mindful of the sun.
Because the light rays only follow, basically, one path to each sensor site, the images will highlight any dust on your sensor. I've used the sensor cleaning function a few times, but there are some spots that just will not go away. They've never showed up in any images shot with a glass lens, but they show up every time with the pinhole. It's no biggie, but something to keep in mind.
Overall, I'd recommend it, and think I'll use it a lot. Crafty types would probably have more fun making a pinhole from a body cap for about $5, but I imagine this would be even more prone to flare unless one adds a shade.
